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Month: February 2011 Page 1 of 2

The CROSS Examination :: Place of Safety

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On February 28, 2011

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The CROSS on which Jesus Christ was nailed is the place of divine safety. As the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, they come to the land of Edom where they start to grumble against Moses and God by expressing that they were brought to die in the wilderness and that they detested the provision of heavenly food that God had given to them, calling it miserable. So God sent in their midst, venomous snakes that bit the people and many died. The people repented and Moses pleaded with God praying that the LORD take the snakes away from the people. The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a brass serpent and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the serpent of brass, they lived.

This typifies the coming of Christ Jesus many years later. The poison of sin kills. And until one lift up their eyes and sees the Cross (similar to the pole) on which the Son of God, Jesus Christ was brandished by the wrath (heat) of God, the poison of sin will kill them, but all who look up at the Cross and see Jesus Christ, believing in their heart that He took their place on the Cross, paying the penalty of their sin, will be safe from the wrath of God. The altar of burnt offerings for the judgment of sin, was an altar made of brass (Exodus 39:39; 1 Kings 8:64). The altar on which God dealt judging sin was the Cross.

The Cross is a place of safety for all to run to, lest they be consumed by the wrath of God. Only at the foot of the Cross, is divine safety.

Let us cross examine ourselves and ensure that we have raised our eyes and looked at the Son of God, so that we may live. If you have not yet done so, I beseech you, that you do. Look at Jesus and believe in Him, so that you are safe under the protection of the Holy Son of God, Jesus Christ.

John 3:14-16 (KJV)
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The CROSS Examination :: Place of Satisfaction

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On February 25, 2011

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The CROSS on which Jesus Christ was nailed is the place of divine satisfaction. To satisfy is to please so that one is content. Jesus’ sacrifice is the only acceptable sacrifice that satisfies God, because after His abnegating self-sacrifice on the Cross, there is no more the need to sacrifice (Hebrews 10:18).  The writer to the Hebrews records that in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin God hast had no pleasure (Hebrews 10:6) but the prophet Isaiah records that it pleased the Lord to bruise Him, talking about Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:10). Though this at face value may seem like the Lord is insensitive or even cruel, deeper analysis of the Scripture, reveals a hidden treasure, that God was pleased, because Jesus willingly laid down His life as an expression of God’s love (John 10:17-18) for the world (John 3:16).  Jesus’ laying down of His life on His own accord (John 10:18) pleased God to His contentment.

Let us cross examine ourselves and lay our lives down, as did Jesus Christ, so that God is pleased and satisfied and content with us.

John 10:17-18 (KJV)
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Hebrews 10:1-18 (KJV)
1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

The CROSS Examination :: Place of Sanctification

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On February 24, 2011

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The CROSS on which Jesus Christ was nailed is a place of divine sanctification. To absolve, anoint, bless, cleanse, consecrate, dedicate, deify, enshrine, glorify, hallow, purify, set apart and worship are some of the Thesaurus words used to describe the word ‘sanctify’. As a verb (implying action), the word sanctify means to hold in highest esteem.

God held his creation (man) at the highest esteem, and sent His Son who shed his blood on the Cross, to sanctify mankind. Jesus’ blood sanctifies and sets us apart! (Hebrews 13:12).

Let us cross examine ourselves and sanctify Jesus Christ apart by setting Him and holding Him in the highest esteem. Can it be said of you/me, that we sanctify (set apart) God.

Hebrews 13:12 (KJV)
12 Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

The CROSS Examination :: Place of Sacrifice

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On February 23, 2011

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The CROSS on which Jesus Christ was nailed is the place of divine sacrifice. But what does the word ‘sacrifice’ mean? Many sadly use the word ‘sacrifice’ flippantly, without a true understanding of its meaning or what it demands.

To give up, let go, loss, and denial are some of the other words that are used to define the word sacrifice. Jesus had to give up or let go of his divinity for humanity (Philippians 2:6-7). He had to lose His life on the Cross so that He could gain eternal life for all who believe in Him (John 3:16). He had to deny the pleasures of heaven so that he could have communion with you and me, whom he deemed the treasures of the earth He created (Exodus 19:5; 1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:17). God had to deny (forsake) His Only begotten Son (Matthew 27:46) so that He would not be forced (due to His Just Holiness) to deny you and me, for sin (Belial) can have no communion with Holiness (Christ) (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).

Let us cross examine ourselves and give up and let go of the things that brings displeasure to God. Let us give up and let go of our humanity so that we can live as royalty; sons and daughters of the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Peter 2:9). Let us lose our lives so that we can save it (Luke 17:33). Let us deny the pleasures of this earth so that we can have communion with Jesus, who is the hidden treasure in us; jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7).  Let us lay our life as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2) at the foot of His Cross, the place of sacrifice.

Luke 17:33 (KJV)
33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The CROSS Examination :: Place of Substitution

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On February 22, 2011

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The CROSS on which Jesus Christ was nailed is the place of divine substitution where God exchanged our sin for His sinless Son, imputing His Holy righteousness for our filthy rag-like righteousness. While we were still sinners, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). A fair exchange is one where the items being exchanged are of equitable value. Christ’s death for us demands our death (to self and sin) for Him. Christ’s life for us demands our life for Him.

Let us cross examine ourselves and live in a manner befitting a fair exchange, not shortchanging God, wherein, the lives we live for ourselves is substituted with one where we live for Him. Let us lay our all at the foot of His Cross, the place of substitution.

Romans 5:8 (KJV)
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

The CROSS examination :: Place of Sentence

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On February 21, 2011

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The CROSS on which Jesus Christ was nailed is the place where divine sentence which was given as a punishment against mankind, was carried out. The Bible states that a divine sentence is in the lips of the king; his mouth transgresseth not in judgment (Proverbs 16:10). The wages of man’s sin is death; which is the sentence that a Holy and Just God had to give (Romans 6:23). The Cross was where this divine sentence was carried out, but instead of us (malefactors and enemies of God), it was God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty of our sin, with His life.

Let us cross examine ourselves and be thankful to Jesus Christ, because of whom, we do not need to be where we should have been; on the Cross, carrying out the sentence of God.

Isaiah 53:3-6 (KJV)
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Experiencing God

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On February 18, 2011

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The Bible refers to Jesus Christ in 1 John 1:1, as The One who was from the beginning, who was heard, who was seen and looked upon and whom hands handled. While hearing, seeing, looking is about external senses, handling (touching) is about experiencing (feeling).

When the woman who was sick for twelve years reached out and touched the garment of Jesus Christ, she experienced healing and was made whole (Mark 5:25-34). Experiencing God is about reaching out and touching Christ Jesus; the God who reached out and touched man. When asked by the socially outcast leper, if Jesus would be willing to make him clean, Jesus responded being filled with compassion, that He was.  Jesus reached out and touched the socially outcast leper making him clean (Mark 1:40-42). Salvation is about being made whole/clean.  Jesus’ touch makes those who are plagued with the leprosy of sin, whole/clean.

Point(s) to ponder:

  • Have you reached out and touched Jesus?
  • Have you asked Jesus to reach out and touch you?
  • Have you experienced God?

Mark 1:40-42 (KJV)
40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

1 John 1:1-4 (KJV)
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

L3 God

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On February 17, 2011

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L3 which stands for Level 3 support is the highest level of support in a technical support model. The ones who provide L3 support are subject matter experts that are engaged to address and solve problems that are unsolvable by others in the support line.

Jesus Christ is an L3 God. When the world could not solve the problem of sin that plagued man, He did. He is the subject matter expert of man, because He made man and knows all men and knows what is in man (John 2:24-25).

The Psalmist avers that the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (God is looking; Psalm 34:15), and his ears are open unto their cry (God is listening; Psalm 34:15). The righteous cry and the Lord hears them and delivers them out of all their troubles (God is liberating; Psalm 34:17).

Jesus is Looking, Listening and Liberating (L3). Jesus Christ is a L3 God.

Psalm 34:15, 17 (KJV)
15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Prayer protocol

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On February 16, 2011

In Christian

Interestingly, when Jesus was asked by one of his disciples to teach them how to pray, He starts by teaching them first how NOT to pray; using vain repetitions as did the heathen, expecting to be heard because of much speaking (Luke 11:1-4, Matthew 6:7). When we come to be in the presence of God, we should be laconic in our utterances, lest we make a foolish vow; we should not be rash with our mouth or hasty in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 5:2). It is not the quantity of prayer that matters but the quality of prayer that God is interested in. It is not how much we pray but how we pray that is important. Our words should be chosen carefully with forethought and uttered only upon the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, as supplication in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).

Lord, teach me to pray!

Matthew 6:7 (KJV)
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 (KJV)
2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

God’s visitation – first and second

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On February 15, 2011

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God visited man in the person of Jesus Christ (first coming) and the people did not recognize Him; some people rejoiced proclaiming “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord (John 12:13) ” while others rejected Him saying “We have no King, but Caesar (John 19:15) ,” and God wept (Luke 19:44).

God will visit man again in the glorified person of Jesus Christ (second coming) and this time the people will recognize Him and some will rejoice entering into the Joy of the Lord (Matthew 25:23) while others who have now rejected Him will weep; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 24:51).

In the first coming, God wept.
In the second coming, man will weep.

Choose ye this day, if you want to rejoice or weep, when Christ Jesus returns.

Luke 19: 41 -44 (KJV)
41And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.|
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

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